Individuals in accordance with their plan of care

Outcome 1 : Understand anatomy and physiology in relation to moving and positioning individuals. Outline the anatomy and physiology of the human body in relation to the importance of correct moving and positioning of individuals.

Musculoskeletal System
Moving and positioning of individuals
Your vertebrae are individual little bones that make up the spinal column, these are connected together by joints which are supported by ligaments that are connected to the bone. Moving an individual incorrectly could cause ligament damage, when individuals are dragged when being moved joints can be overstretched causing sprains/ damage to the ligaments. THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER DRAG (MOVE INCORRECTLY) ANYONE. Tendons connect the muscle to the bone. When the muscle contracts this pulls on the tendon that is attached to the bone making the body part move. When the fibres the muscles contains contracts this makes the muscle work. Pulled muscles or torn tendons causing a lot of pain can occurs from sudden movements or pulling of an individual’s limbs/ body. This is why it is important to move or position an individual as smoothly as possible. Bones in limbs are covered with tissue.

Fractures can happen due to all sorts of accidents for example putting too much pressure on an individual’s hands or arms when they are moving. If you use the incorrect size sling when hoisting the individual could fall out or get limbs caught causing a fracture.

Describe the impact of specific conditions on the correct movement and positioning of an individual. Different conditions of different individuals affect how a person moves or changes the position of that individual. For example if an individual has had a stroke they may have one side of the body stronger than the other, this has to be taken into account as not to put pressure on the weak side or when weight bearing. If an individual has dementia they may be confused and not understand what you are saying, this may take a little while for both sides to understand each other; showing them with actions may help. A person that is blind may need more reassurance than others as they are unable to see; this could make them less trustworthy. People that suffer from arthritis can be in a lot of pain so moving or repositioning them has to be done slowly and cautiously. All these sorts of conditions have to be taken into account when moving or positioning any individual.

Outcome 2 : Understanding legislation and agreed ways of working when moving and positioning individuals. Describe how legislation and agreed ways of working affect working practices related to moving and positioning individuals. Relevant legislations include management of health and safety at work regulations, the important requirement of risk assessment was introduced in this regulation. Risks must be assessed when positioning or moving any individual, this must be acted on and reviewed. All staff must also be trained within moving and positioning individuals. The lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations introduced a requirement for equipment that is safe to use and thoroughly maintained training for staff must also be provided. Manual handling operations and regulations states that risk assessments must be carried out for all moves, in order to reduce the risk of injury from happening avoiding dangerous and harmful handling and moving. Using all equipment as trained avoid putting yourself, other staff, visitors and individuals at risk following health and safety practices. Reporting any risks and/or hazards to their employer are key responsibilities to their employer.

To have agreed ways of working employers must have policies and procedures in place for moving and handling for their work place. Training, supervisions and explaining all of this should be supplied to staff. All employees should become familiar with and read the procedures. Employees should attend all training be supported with understanding individual’s needs, moves needed and equipment to be used. Staff should not be afraid to ASK if they do not understand.

Describe what health and safety factors need to be taken into account when moving and positioning individuals and any equipment used to do this. Firstly I would never move and position any individual without the correct training. Before moving and positioning an individual I need to be sure I am adhering to all the organisational policies in place and meet all health and safety obligations. I would have to take responsibility for the health and safety of myself, service users and others. Again I would not use any equipment I have not been fully trained on. I would ensure I am wearing correct clothing and footwear when moving and positioning an individual, to avoid risk of being harmed, for example I would not wear open shoes or sandals while using a hoist. I would need to check my surroundings (enough room, loose rugs, furniture in the way) and the equipment being used (enough charge, no loose wires, and sling clean and intact).

Infection control also plays a part in this too, correct PPE (personal protective equipment) should be worn and hands washed. NEVER rush when moving and/or positioning an individual. When using a hoist I would make sure good communication is in action, check with individuals care plan and discuss with them as to what will happen. Equipment should be checked that it is correct for the individual i.e. correct size sling for the persons weight and height (a taller person would need a sling much longer than a shorter person) make sure the hoist is clean and charged too. When storing the hoist you would need to make sure no one else will use that hoist/ sling and it is stored away as to not cause harm/ accidents to anyone. When using the hoist you would also need to asses if the individual will be calm and keep their arms in the sling, if not what you will do to prevent harm to the individual or yourself.

Outcome 3 : Be able to minimise risk before moving and positioning individuals. Describe actions to take in relation to identify risks.
I will always asses a situation before moving or positioning an individual. My actions will depend upon my findings, if there are any risks I am able to eliminate for example a table I can move or an item on the floor with the service users permission I will do so. If the risk is out of my control e.g. faulty equipment, service user feels unwell or seams out of sorts, I shall seek advice from my supervisor and not carry out the move or position at the time. I would report faulty equipment and put a sign on it straight away so no other person shall use it until safe to do so. I would record any risk found and record what action I took and date it.

Describe what actions should be taken if the individuals wishes conflict with their plan of care in relation to health and safety and their risk assessment. If an individual requests I move or position them in a way that is not documented on the care plan, I would explain to the individual that we have to move them in the way it is documented in the care plan and why we have to do it that way. If the service user is still demanding to be moved another way I would seek advice from my supervisor and again document this and date it.

Outcome 5: Be able to move and position an individual
Describe the aids and equipment that may be used for moving and positioning. If an individual cannot move themselves from one position to another a hoist and sling could be used. A sling comes in all different sizes and types, depending on their height weight or where you are moving a person to and from. Walking frames with or without wheels help service users to walk without assistance. You can also have slide boards these will help people that are independent they may just need assistance to move from bed to chair and vice versa. Lift handles would assist someone to sit up or move independently in bed. Grab handles can also be placed in individuals bathrooms to help them stand from the toilet or bath.

Outcome 6: Know when to seek advice from and /or involve others when moving and positioning an individual. Describe when advice and/or assistance should be sought to move or handle an individual safely. Advice and assistance should always be sought after if there is any uncertainty in the movement that may cause difficulty and could be a risk to the health and safety of all involved, this uncertainty could result in the incorrect use of equipment, where applicable, and put the service user in unnecessary danger, which is a criminal offence. If the equipment is faulty this would add to the danger. If a care plan states that two carers must assist with a specific manoeuvre and another carer is unavailable, or if the carer is unsure or apprehensive about the completion of the task or correct use of equipment you should, again, seek advice. If an individual asks that a manoeuvre be preformed that is not in the official care plan, meaning a correct movement and plan has not been put into place this may cause unnecessary danger and injury,+ therefore seek advice.

Describe what sources of information are available about moving and positioning individuals. Depending on the nature of the information required you may feel the need to approach health care professionals, such as physiotherapists and specialists in moving and handling. If the nature of the info required is not of a specialist origin there are lots of sources of information within the workplace, such as and most crucially the individuals care plans. You can also approach the individuals personally or their families for detailed information. You could also ask a higher member of staff also colleague at your level. For a more official if not impersonal selection of information the moving and handling procedures and guidelines about correct practices to follow are available in your work place.